Walhi: Industrial Pollution from Nickel Smelters in Konawe Triggers 5,000 Cases of Respiratory Infection
KENDARI – The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) Southeast Sulawesi has stated that pollution from the industrial activities of PT Virtue Dragon Nickel Industry (PT VDNI) and PT Obsidian Stainless Steel (PT OSS) in Konawe Regency has triggered upper respiratory tract infections (ISPA).
Walhi Southeast Sulawesi Executive Director Andi Rahman revealed that approximately 5,000 people living near the PT VDNI and PT OSS facilities have contracted respiratory infections.
"The cases occurred in Morosi, Konawe. The two major industries, PT VDNI and PT OSS, have caused around 5,000 residents to contract respiratory infections," Andi Rahman told media on Saturday (28/6/2025).
Based on data obtained by Walhi Southeast Sulawesi, the respiratory infections suffered by local communities have occurred since the two major industries commenced their operations.
"The data we have collected shows that the rate of respiratory infections coincides with the period when these industries, PT VDNI and PT OSS, began operating, particularly their coal-fired power plants," he said.
Ironically, according to Andi Rahman, the number of residents suffering from respiratory infections has been increasing year on year.
"If you look at the trend from year to year, respiratory infection cases are rising," he said.
Furthermore, initial diagnoses indicate that the respiratory infections are caused by pollution generated by the two major industries.
"The initial diagnosis and preliminary suspicion point to the industrial activities in Morosi," he added.
Walhi Southeast Sulawesi Executive Director Andi Rahman revealed that approximately 5,000 people living near the PT VDNI and PT OSS facilities have contracted respiratory infections.
"The cases occurred in Morosi, Konawe. The two major industries, PT VDNI and PT OSS, have caused around 5,000 residents to contract respiratory infections," Andi Rahman told media on Saturday (28/6/2025).
Based on data obtained by Walhi Southeast Sulawesi, the respiratory infections suffered by local communities have occurred since the two major industries commenced their operations.
"The data we have collected shows that the rate of respiratory infections coincides with the period when these industries, PT VDNI and PT OSS, began operating, particularly their coal-fired power plants," he said.
Ironically, according to Andi Rahman, the number of residents suffering from respiratory infections has been increasing year on year.
"If you look at the trend from year to year, respiratory infection cases are rising," he said.
Furthermore, initial diagnoses indicate that the respiratory infections are caused by pollution generated by the two major industries.
"The initial diagnosis and preliminary suspicion point to the industrial activities in Morosi," he added.